After the Red Devils’ 2-0 victory over Swansea City in the Carabao Cup, Jose Mourinho can take a breath and relax as his team gave a solid performance after a very mediocre week.
An uninspiring draw against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield, and an unconvincing victory against Benfica in the Champions League left Manchester United bereft of confidence.
It seemed the latest international break had stopped dead any momentum United were taking into it. A poor display and defeat against Huddersfield Town (the first since 1952) left many pundits (and even Mourinho himself) questioning United’s resilience and desire to win the Premier League.
With noisy neighbours Manchester City in great form (still to be beaten in the league this season), United need to improve on their recent performances, starting with a tough fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
United’s only real test this season has been against Liverpool, in which Mourinho set up his tactics in a defensive fashion, and the team looked flat and unresponsive.
Tottenham have more of a balanced side, although they will be without in-form striker Harry Kane, who has netted eight goals in his last nine appearances. Still, Manchester United will need to sharpen up if they are to pick up any points against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Here are five things to look out for from a United point of view in this upcoming game:
